What is Y-DNA?

Sex Chromosomes

We receive DNA from our parents upon conception: 23 chromosomes from our father and 23 chromosomes from our mother.

The 23rd chromosome received from each parent is called the “sex chromosome” because it determines our sex. Mothers will always provide an X chromosome because women have XX pairings, while fathers provide either an X or a Y chromosome because men have XY pairings. A Y chromosome from your father means you’re genetically male; an X chromosome from your father means you’re genetically female.

Y-DNA Tests

Because sons inherit the Y chromosome from their fathers, Y-DNA testing can be used to trace a family’s direct male line, which means that families can follow their lineage from son to father to grandfather to great-grandfather and so on.

Y-DNA testing can be used to:

Confirm biological relationships between fathers and sons

Pinpoint certain branches in the family tree

Identify possible mutations in Y chromosome markers

Confirm recorded genealogical history

Estimate a person’s haplogroup

Determine if two family trees with the same or similar last names are related

Can I Get Y-DNA Testing?

Since only men have the Y chromosome, only men are eligible for Y-DNA testing. Ladies, if you’re looking for more information on your patrilineal history, you can ask your brother, father, uncle, or grandfather to provide a DNA sample. Learn more about your family than you ever thought possible with Y-DNA testing!